FAKE VS REAL
“fake and real are the same when the effect is the same. stop overthinking it.”
The Lesson
Young people worry about being 'fake.' Here's the truth: there's no practical difference between fake and real when the effect is the same. Fake confidence until you have it. That IS confidence. Politeness is acting. That's exactly what it should be. Fake smiles create the same good feelings in others as real ones. Small talk isn't phony-it's giving attention, which is real value. Pretending to care (investing time and attention) is caring. Bravery isn't absence of fear-it's being afraid and doing it anyway, which looks identical to fearlessness. If it works, it's real.
Real-World Example
A founder feels like an imposter smiling at networking events when they're exhausted. They reframe: the smile creates real positive feelings in others. The small talk gives real attention. The 'fake' confidence gets real deals. Six months later, they stop distinguishing-the practiced behaviors became automatic. What started as performance became identity. Fake long enough and it's just who you are.
Watch Scott explain this lesson
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